Patriots captain Matthew Slater pained by costly unsportsmanlike penalty

One of the pivotal plays during the 19-17 loss was an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty called on Matthew Slater in the third quarter.

The Patriots had a 7-6 lead, and punted. Slater forced a fumble on returner Jaydon Mickens, which appeared to be recovered by the Pats, but a flag was thrown on their special teams captain. He was pushed out of bounds twice en route to getting back in bounds and putting a hit on Mickens. Officials flagged Slater because it was deemed he didn’t get back into the field of play soon enough.

Slater wasn’t happy about the call in the moment, arguing with officials after the costly penalty.

“Obviously, I’m well aware of the rules. I don’t think there’s anybody in this league that’s covered more punts than I have,” said Slater, “so I understand what the rules are. I made a play I thought was within the rules based on how it was being played . . . but ultimately, that’s a judgment call. You have to live with the call the officials make on the field . . . it’s just one of those things you wish you could have it back, or wish it wasn’t a flag. It just wasn’t the case.”

Slater said the rule was open for interpretation, and the official made the call he felt was right.

“Everyone assumes when you go out-of-bounds, you immediately have to re-enter the field of play,” said Slater. “It’s never been the way the rule has been officiated . . . there’s a yardage mark in our minds that we’re coached to play with, you set an angle to return to the field of play.

“I have to try to execute the play better. We’ll learn from it. It’s disappointing ‘cuz I felt like that was a big play in the game.”

Bill Belichick’s view?

“I think it’d be better if the officials give their explanation on it,” said Belichick during his morning presser. “They’re the ones who called it, and based on what they called, I thought it was handled correctly based on the way the play was called.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3l7sQiQ